Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have lichen planus, and his current skin condition is nummular eczema. The hearing loss disability issue was previously resolved in favor of the veteran. Service connection for hypertension and vitiligo are being remanded. No service connection granted.

The veteran is not eligible for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance due to his mobility, but meets the qualifications for a housebound rate given his age and disability rating.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis is denied, and his TDIU claim is also denied as he does not meet the criteria for unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a stroke or hypertension, and there is no evidence linking an abdominal aortic aneurysm to service-connected conditions. The claim for secondary service connection for these conditions remains denied.

The veteran's esophagus disorder is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Service connection for a neck disorder, back disorder, heart disorder, stomach disorder, and hypertension is denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his residual scar from appendectomy and hypertension, finding that neither condition warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current conditions and his service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension for aid and attendance and housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an aid and attendance examination.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it. The issue of hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus is also addressed, with a VA examination scheduled.

The veteran's erectile dysfunction is not rated separately as there is no evidence of penile deformity.,An initial rating of 20 percent for hypertension from June 27, 2003 to October 31, 2003 has been granted. The rating was later reduced to 10 percent after that period.

The veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant were denied as he does not meet the eligibility requirements under the law.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current conditions and his military service, including herbicide exposure. Service connection was denied for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, recurrent pneumothorax, hypertension, and heart disease.

The Board is requesting additional information to determine if the veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Korea, which could affect his claims for secondary service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal for dependency and indemnity compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. §1318, and the issue of service connection for cause of the veteran's death is remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before the DRO and further development of his claims.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for hypertension prior to July 22, 1999 and a 10 percent rating thereafter. The veteran's hypertension was not shown to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation until June 14, 2004.

The veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his diabetes.,Bronchitis and restrictive defect were not incurred in service. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicide agents.,A skin disorder, including tinea cruris, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, and chronic uticaria, was not shown to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide proper notice regarding new and material evidence requirements.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the veteran's long period of active service is likely to have contributed to his current condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher ratings.